The future of English football looks bright

Highlights – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund

England’s U-20 squad were crowned world champions at the weekend after beating Venezuela 1-0 in the final of the World Cup.

The win marked the first trophy for the Three Lions on the world stage in more than 50 years, so it’s no surprise that fans back in England are suddenly optimistic about the future of the game.

But who are the up-and-coming stars that did England proud in South Korea? FOX Sports Asia takes a more-detailed look at the 11 players who started the final.

Freddie Woodman
The hero of the final after he saved a late penalty in the final. Woodman, 20, came through at Crystal Palace before joining Newcastle in 2013, although he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Magpies. Spent last season on loan at Scottish club Kilmarnock, but is now back at Newcastle, although he is unsure if he will make the breakthrough now they are back in the Premier League.

Jonjoe Kenny
One of the most consistent performers in Korea, the 20-year old Evertonian right-back has made substitute appearances for the Toffees in the last two Premier League seasons. With first choice fullback Seamus Coleman out injured, boss Ronald Koeman could be tempted to start the season with the rampaging right back.

Fikayo Tomori
The Canadian-born teen spent last season on loan at Championship-winning Brighton, but didn’t see much action. Following his exploits in Korea and the limited chances available to him at Stamford Bridge, the 19-year old looks set for another loan deal, with the Championship, Bundesliga or Ligue 1 among his likely destinations.

Jake Clarke-Salter
The Chelsea centre-back and captain of the Blue’s 2016 Youth Cup team spent an injury-hit season at Bristol Rovers in League One. He returned to put in some solid showings for the Young Lions with a possible loan move to the Championship on the cards for the 19-year old.

Kyle Walker-Peters
Tottenham’s 20-year old full-back is no relation to his senior teammate of almost the same name, but his displays on the left flank during the tournament have drawn comparisons. Has yet to make a senior appearance and may have to wait due to Spurs’ current wealth of talent in his position.

Lewis Cook
The first England captain to lift a World cup trophy in more than 50 years, Cook, 20, was impressive in South Korea, demonstrating exactly why Bournemouth coughed up £6 million to bring him in from Leeds. Has already made his Premier League debut for the Cherries and is likely to get more chances this season on the strength of his performances.

Kieran Dowell
Another of Everton’s representatives, 19-year old Dowell played the final Premier League match of 2015-16, but did not feature last season. The versatile midfielder is likely to be another one going out on loan next season.

Joshua Onomah
Another star performer who almost lit up the final when his 30-yarder crashed against the crossbar, Onomah, 19, has been training with the Spurs senior squad for over two years but did not feature in the starting lineup last season. Another one who may have to go out on loan or wait his turn.

Ademola Lookman
The tricky teenager, 19, cost Everton £7.5m when they brought him in from Charlton. He has already scored on his Premier League debut, netting against Manchester City and is certain to feature for the Toffees next season after a strong tournament.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The Everton forward scored the crucial goal against Venezuela and put in some strong showings in South Korea. Made 11 appearances for Everton after joining from Sheffield United last year.

Dominic Solanke
With four goals in six appearances, Solanke was one of the stars of the tournament and won the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament. The forward will join Liverpool after choosing to leave Chelsea because of a lack of first-team opportunities. Remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp will give him more of a chance than Antonio Conte.